ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA

The same year that Dweezil Zappa release what is still at this time his last album of his own music (and in my opinion, his best), he embarked on the daunting task of keeping his father's music alive by fronting a touring band called "Zappa plays Zappa". My fear at the time was that Dweezil would take the easy route, and avoid the more challenging works of Frank. I have since been to three ZPZ concerts, and I am happy to say that my fears were unfounded.

This album was recorded early on in ZPZ's existance, and the band is still finding it's way. While the musicians are exceptionally competent at recreating the music of Frank, some of the pieces are just a tiny bit, but still noticably slower than Dad's band would play them. Also, the songs as played here could be found almost note for note on Frank's albums. The true joy of a Zappa concert was the "eyebrows", the little changes and improvs the musicians would add to each number.

Despite the above comments, the performance is very nice. Steve Vai plays an exceptional and very weird solo on Zomby Woof. Terry Bozzio and Napoleon Murphy Brock add some familiar voices. And Scheila Gonzales shows a bit a the amazing talent she has come to deliver in more recent performances.

Another disappointing note: when playing the Don't Eat Yellow Snow Suite, Dweezil edits the first section down, similar to the single that once received airplay, and completely skips Nanook Rubs It.

But just to have a Zappa out there performing this material was a plus.

3.5 stars, that I will round up.